Main magnetic focus ion source: Device with high electron current density

TL;DR

This paper reports on an upgraded magnetic focus ion source capable of extremely high electron current densities up to 10 kA/cm² at energies up to 40 keV, enabling efficient ionization of highly charged ions and promising applications in radionuclide and heavy element research.

Contribution

The paper introduces an upgraded MaMFIS device with significantly higher electron current densities and a new charge breeding scheme, enhancing ionization efficiency for short-lived radionuclides and heavy elements.

Findings

Achieved electron current densities of ~10 kA/cm²

Extended operation range up to 40 keV electron energy

Demonstrated high ionization degree of highly charged ions

Abstract

We discuss recent experiments performed with an upgraded version of the main magnetic focus ion source (MaMFIS) at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR) in Dubna. The device operates in the range of electron beam energies extended up to $40$ keV. The achieved electron current densities are of the order of $10$ kA/cm$^{2}$. This assessment is consistent both with the very short ionization time and with the utmost ionization degree of the produced highly charged ions. Due to its high efficiency, the MaMFIS technology is especially promising for ionization of short-lived radionuclides and heavy elements. A new scheme for charge breeding is proposed.